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Description
Investments in the green economy are going to be the key driver of post-pandemic recovery and are set to radically change our economy and society. To ensure that such transformation is inclusive and sustainable, policymakers shall be able to deploy new solutions to increase participation at all levels, particularly among the most vulnerable.
INTERCEPT project aims to unleash the potential of 300 youths aged 25-29 in Italy, Malta and Lithuania who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) by analysing their needs and developing as well as evaluating an innovative pilot scheme that will facilitate their integration within the green labour market. The initial research phase of the project denotes that in 2020, 18.6% of youths aged 25-29 in Europe were NEETs and it transpires that the cohort in south Italy and Malta is typically composed of females with lower secondary education and limited job experience. In comparison, the NEETs cohort in Lithuania appears to hold a secondary level of education and originates from smaller municipalities or rural areas. Upskilling activities emerged amongst the best practices to support NEETs and this led to the deployment of a survey amongst employers and related stakeholders to ensure consistency between labour force competencies and demand in the green economy. Results have further contributed to the creation of a training programme for youths which will be launched together with a three-month work exposure opportunity. The scheme will equip NEETs with training and work exposure opportunities based on research about the specifics of the target group as well as the meta-analysis of previously implemented active labour market policy (ALMP) practices. At the end of the intervention, the INTERCEPT project expects to gainfully employ 80 youths and further evaluate the schemes to develop policy recommendations for the European Institutions.
Summary of project results
In response to the urgent concerns of climate change, INTERCEPT directed its efforts toward nurturing the future workforce, specifically targeting inactive youths and their potential in green careers. This initiative focused on NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training) aged 25-29, aiming to provide opportunities within the green sector across Malta, Italy, and Lithuania through specific training and work placements in sustainable businesses, facilitating their transition back into the labour market. The INTERCEPT Project was powered by a dynamic consortium of nine distinguished organizations from Malta, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Luxembourg. This collaborative initiative integrated the expertise of universities, research and training institutions, and Public Employment Service (PES) agencies.
Within the project''s framework, two comprehensive research studies were undertaken. One focused on analysing the Target Population and Relevant Active Labour Market Policies, while the other conducted a comparative analysis of key crosscutting competencies identified as essential green skills by employers. Following the research phase, a 25-hour training program was developed for inactive youths aged 25-29, later expanded in Malta into a comprehensive 50-hour program accredited at EQF level 3 with 2 ECTS. Additionally, a meticulous 40-hour training program was developed for implementation in Malta, Italy, and Lithuania for PES staff. This extensive training regimen included self-study modules, enriching study visits, multimedia learning experiences, and on-site expert-led training in specialized areas such as Green Economy, Bio-Economy, Life Cycle Thinking, and NEETs Data and Analysis.
In the pursuit of activating 300 NEETs through the pilot scheme, a significant milestone was reached, with 242 participants engaged across Malta, Italy, and Lithuania. The initial targets of having 80 youths in employment and another 80 in other training schemes, post-intervention, were surpassed, with 93 youths ending up in gainful employment while another 15 participants were engaged in other schemes or training. Evaluation of the intervention was conducted, incorporating various data collection approaches, resulting in a comprehensive final report on the pilot and guidelines for the integration of 25-29-year-old NEETs into the labour market, with an emphasis on green jobs. INTERCEPT seeks to influence future policies based on insights gained from these experiences.